His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

"Casper, Aaron and I just ran into each other. You don't need to be so harsh."

Eliza wasn't really nervous. Just embarrassed. She knew Casper had the wrong idea. She hadn't expected such a coincidence to happen today.

"Casper, Eliza and I are just―"

Aaron didn't get to finish. Casper's cold eyes darted towards him. "Just what? Aaron, are you sure you want to get involved?"

Casper stood up straight, chin lifted proudly, and looked down at the two of them. Then he reached out and grabbed Eliza's wrist. With a gentle pull, she stumbled to her feet. "Casper..."

Aaron quickly got up, grabbing Casper's arm. "If anyone's at fault, it's me. Why do you always take it out on her? It's her birthday today."

"My wife should spend her birthday with me." He pulled Eliza close, gripping her shoulder tightly, whispering in her ear, "Isn't that right, Mrs. Welton?"

What could Eliza say? Casper was seething. Any more words would only bring worse retaliation.

Aaron sitting there, lost

"Chelsea."

She

his fingers nervously. "Chelsea, I'm

it's not your fault.

he shouldn't treat Eliza

plenty he shouldn't, but in his view, he was always justified.

melody of a harp was gentle and soothing,

picked up the music box, toying with it. "You know, my childhood

had, feeling helpless and disgusted. She didn't want to say a word. He reached out and

are you

and I don't have the sordid affair you imagine. Today, I met Chelsea at the restaurant, and

explain. But not explaining made him think she

think